Cavs News: Charlotte comeback, worst free agents, catching Philly
The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, so the two-game set in Charlotte always looked like a soft spot in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ schedule. It still is, but the Hornets have been playing much better of late, recently winning five-straight and clawing their way back to respectability.
Add in the fact that Jarrett Allen missed the game with an eye injury, and Sunday evening’s showdown between the Cavs and Hornets became a more competitive game than expected. In fact, the Cavs got down by double-digits before turning on the jets late to snatch a 114-108 win over the Hornets.
Darius Garland was brilliant all night long despite his shot not falling, scoring 28 points to go along with six assists, six rebounds and a game-high +22. Down the stretch he got support from Evan Mobley, who was everywhere defensively and scored ten points in the fourth quarter, part of his 18-point, nine-rebound night.
The Hornets gave Cleveland everything they could handle, with Terry Rozier dropping 27 points and all four other starters scored at least 14 points. Cleveland’s comeback was their 14th win of the season after trailing by double-digits.
More Cavs news
Here on the website, we looked at the 15 worst free-agent signings in the history of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. Which player tops the list? And how many players signed during the disastrous 2013 offseason made the list?
A few weeks ago, the Cavs were hot on the heels of the Philadelphia 76ers for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Then the 76ers ripped off five-straight wins to build a cushion, and while they still have a tough schedule down the stretch they also have a 3.5 game lead for third. PlayoffStatus.com now gives Cleveland just a 16 percent chance of catching the Sixers for third.
NBA news
The Philadelphia 76ers won again to extend their winning streak, dropping the Washington Wizards 112-93 as Joel Embiid scored 34 points in just 31 minutes. The Brooklyn Nets dropped the Denver Nuggets on the road, and the New York Knicks took down the Lakers in Los Angeles, keeping the two teams tied for fifth in the East, three games back of the Cavs.
Next. 4 Cavaliers who are playing for their future in Cleveland. dark
Coming up: The Cavaliers are back at it on Tuesday night against the Hornets once again.